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Cape to Kenya - 43 days

Embark on an overland journey across almost half the African Continent from Cape Town to Kenya. A heady mix of game, beaches, the Okavango Delta, exotic Zanzibar, adrenaline activities for the taking, giant dunes and exciting places. Family Departures Available

Not Included

Itinerary

Saturday. Welcome to Cape Town, South Africa! Upon arrival at Cape Town airport you will be met and transferred to the Ashanti Lodge Backpackers in the Gardens area of Cape Town. Our first night's accommodation is in shared dormitories. Meet the rest of your group at 17:00 this evening where your tour leader will conduct a welcome meeting. Overnight: Cape Town

Cape Town - Cederberg. As we depart Cape Town we enjoy a tour of a local township (2018 departures only) before we head to Table Bay and onward to our campsite in the Cederberg mountains area. Overnight: Cederberg Area | Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Gariep River

Cederberg - Gariep River. Continuing north we pass by the mining town of Springbok in the Namaqualand area before arriving at the Gariep (Orange) River on the border with Namibia. We camp tonight on the South African side.Overnight: Gariep River | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gariep River - Fish River Canyon (Namibia). Our morning begins with an included canoe trip on the Gariep River before we cross the border into Namibia and head for the world's second largest canyon - Fish River Canyon. Overnight: Fish River Canyon | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fish River Canyon - Sesriem. We rise early today as we enter the famous Namib-Naukluft desert. Our base for the night is in Sesriem - a short distance from Sossusvlei - home to some of the world's tallest sand dunes.
Overnight: Sesriem | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we attempt to climb the impressive Dune 45 in time for sunsrise. Watching the colours change amongst the massive sand dunes is really a sight to behold. We will also take a desert walk in Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.Overnight: Sesriem | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sesriem - Swakopmund. On day 7 we leave the desert and cross the famous Tropic of Capricorn with stops at the sign for the obligatory photos. Our final destination on day 7 is the colonial German town of Swakopmund where we spend the next 2 nights. There are lots of optional excursions payable locally in Swakopmund including sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golf, horse riding and more. An activity briefing will be held on arrival in Swakopmund. Overnight: Swakopmund | Breakfast x 2

Day 9

Spitzkoppe

Swakopmund - Brandberg. We depart Swakopmund this morning stopping briefly at the famous rock formations of Spitzkoppe before continuing to our final destination of the day - Brandberg.
Overnight: Brandberg | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Brandberg - Etosha National Park area. We depart Brandberg for Etosha - Namibia's premier game park. We spend the whole day exploring the park in our truck on day 11 on the look out for resident animals which include 4 of the Big 5. Overnight: Etosha National Park area | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Today is another day of game viewing as we travel 150km across the park to the north where we camp for the night at Namutoni. Namutoni has a waterhole we can visit in the evening when the animals come down to drink. Overnight: Etosha National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 13-15

Windhoek & Ghanzi

Etosha - Windhoek - Ghanzi - Maun (Botswana). From Etosha, we have a night in the capital Windhoek before entering Botswana on day 14 where stop for the night in in Ghanzi in the middle of the Kalahari Desert - home to the famous San Bushmen.

On day 15 we head to Maun - our base for the Okavango Delta. Tonight we prepare our provisions and packs for our 1 night excursion. Your trip leader will brief you fully on what is needed, and what to expect prior to your trip to the Delta.Overnight: Windhoek (1), Ghanzi (1) Maun (1) | Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 2

Maun - Okavango Delta. After an early rise we depart for the poling station where we meet our polers who will guide us in our mokoros (dug out canoes) effortlessly through the Delta to our bush camp.

Upon arrival we meet the local staff and have a brief introduction to the camp and will show you your dome tent with twin beds then time to relax in the tent with a cold drink or take a paddle in the Delta in a canoe. The activities at the camp include Mokoro trails and guided walking.
Overnight: Okavango Delta | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Okavango Delta - Maun. Departing the Delta by mokoro this morning we return to Maun where if conditions are right there is a chance to take a scenic flight over the Delta. Overnight: Maun | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Maun - Nata Region. Today we continue to drive through rural Botswana as we travel along roads frequented by cows and donkeys. Our campsite today is the lush Elephant Sands campsite where there may be opportunities to bush walk or game drive. Overnight: Nata Region | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nata Region - Chobe. Our destination today is the town of Kasane and a campsite on the banks of the River Chobe - the natural border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. On day 20 we head into Chobe National Park for our overnight excursion.
Overnight: Kasane (1), Chobe (1) | Breakfast x 2

Chobe - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). We awake early in the national park and we continue to game drive as we leave. We return to Kasane to rejoin our truck and cross the border into Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls. Famous for its plethora of adrenaline activities - we have an activity briefing upon arrival.

The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Vic Falls, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the next leg of our trip.
Optional excursions include horseback safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! Flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.Overnight: Victoria Falls | Breakfast x 3

Victoria Falls - Chobe (Botswana) - Livingstone (Zambia). Leaving Vic Falls on the this morning we cross back into Botswana and back to the town of Kasane where can have a second opportunity to visit Chobe National Park. The following day we cross the border into Zambia and the town of Livingstone - home to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls.
Overnight: Chobe (1), Livingstone (1) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 2

Days 26-28

South Luangwa NP

Livingstone - Lusaka Area - South Luangwa. We continue through Zambia today as we head near to the capital Lusaka. On day 27 we visit South Luangwa National Park where we camp for the night and take included game drives.
Overnight: Lusaka Area (1), South Luangwa NP (2) | Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

Days 29-31

Lake Malawi

South Luangwa - Lake Malawi (Malawi). Crossing into Malawi, known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. We make a brief stop in the capital, Lilongwe before arriving at our camp on the lake.

Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. You can also explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional excursions including water sports, horseback rides and visits to a local village. Overnight: Lake Malawi | Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

Day 32

Iringa

Lake Malawi - Iringa (Tanzania). Today we enter Tanzania through the border post at Songwe. Our campsite this evening is at Iringa at a beautiful rustic ‘Farmhouse’ campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!Overnight: Iringa | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. Today we take the ferry over to Zanzibar for 3 nights on this tropical paradise. Our first night is in the port city of Stone Town and we spend two further nights up on the northern beaches. Whilst on Zanzibar we also enjoy an informative Spice Tour and sunset cruise on a traditional dhow boat.
Overnight: Zanzibar | Breakfast x 1

Arusha - Serengeti & Ngorongoro. On day 40 we depart Arusha and embark on our 3 day/2 night included Serengeti and Ngorongoro excursion. We'll game drive in both areas and camp in the wild. On day 42 we head back across the plains and the Crater rim to return to Arusha and exchange exciting wildlife stories.
Overnight: Karatu (1) Serengeti (1) Arusha (1) | Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

Arusha - Nairobi (Kenya). We have an early start this morning as we head to north and cross in to Kenya. Our final destination is the capital Nairobi. We recommend staying an extra night in Nairobi in case of any delays on our way into Kenya.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. Single travellers will be paired up in tents with another person of the same sex.

Ashanti Lodge Gardens Backpackers, Cape Town

Situated in a Victorian mansion at the foot of Table Mountain, within walking distance of the city centre, Ashanti Lodge offers a range of 6 to 8 bed dormitories, in addition to private rooms with shared bathroom facilities. After a long day of sightseeing, travellers can unwind with a cocktail at the café-bar, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or relax in the landscaped garden. Kitchen/BBQ facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi are also available.

Highlanders Campsite & Lodge, Cederberg

Nestled among the wine farms at the foot of the Cederberg mountains, this campsite is a perfect stopover in the Namaqualand region. Highlanders is set on 3 levels, giving campers plenty of space between each of the 5 individual camp areas, and a 12-room ensuite lodge has recently been added to the site. Each camp has a 'braai' pit, sink unit & power. There are stunning mountain views from the solar-powered hot showers, and a locally-sourced wine bar by the scenic swimming pool.

Oasis Sossus, Sesriem

This luxury campsite at the gates of Sossusvlei features 12 individually shaded camps, each with its own bathroom facilities, kitchen basin, barbecue, and electricity points. The campsite has a sparkling pool, and is within walking distance of a fully stocked shop, Internet café, and service station. The adjacent Sossusvlei Lodge offers a restaurant and Adventure Centre, where exciting desert activities such as quad biking, sunset drives, and scenic flights over the dunes can be arranged.

Urban Camp, Windhoek

Centrally located in Windhoek (a short walk from the legendary Joe's Beerhouse restaurant), Urban Camp is a comfortable campground combining city convenience with a quiet getaway. Free Wi-Fi, a sparkling pool, and private bathrooms all contribute to an oasis of calm in campsites housing up to 18 people. Nearby is a small shopping centre for amenities, and for sightseers looking to explore the history and architecture of Windhoek, the city centre is less than 2km away.

Delta Rain Bushcamp, Okavango Delta

This unique campsite is located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, as part of the Delta Rain safari experience. Accommodation consists of dome tents with twin beds, and "bush en-suite" bathrooms with a long-drop toilet and bucket shower. After settling in, guests can relax in the mess tent, partake in game viewing trips, or go on guided walks, while admiring the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shearwater Explorers Village, Victoria Falls

Situated in the bohemian town of Victoria Falls, and 400m from the Falls themselves, the affordable accommodation at the Shearwater Explorers Village consists of 5 campsites with modern bathroom facilities, and 16 private chalets with en-suite showers and A/C. Shearwater operates a range of activities at the Falls, from bungee jumping to river rafting - and when the day is over, guests can wind down with Wi-Fi in the lounge areas, a drink by the pool, or even a back rub in the massage tent.

Croc Valley Camp, South Luangwa National Park

Croc Valley Camp is located on the banks of the Luangwa River, and provides accommodation ranging from riverfront tents to ensuite chalets, built on stilts to avoid the off-season floods. Watch elephants roam across the campsite, experience a game drive through South Luangwa National Park, or relax with a gin & tonic at the bar. The camp also features a large outdoor pool, kitchen facilities, and daily laundry service.

Kipepeo Village , Dar es Salaam

The Tanzanian bush meets the blue waters of the Indian Ocean at Kipepeo Beach & Village, situated on the south coast of Dar Es Salaam. The campsite is right on the beach itself and is a popular destination for watersports adventures or simple relaxation. Facilities include a beach bar and restaurant.Upgrades are available to the twenty elevated ensuite chalets, built in the bush and decorated in traditional Swahili style, provide a stunning ocean views.

Life can be unpredictable and we understand that sometimes it’s necessary to change or delay your travel plans. With our LIFETIME DEPOSIT guarantee, you can book our Signature tours safe in the knowledge that if you’re unable to travel, your deposit is fully transferable and will be held for an unlimited time.

South Africa Overland Camping Safaris

Head out on an exhilarating overland safari through South Africa and beyond with our range of expedition style adventures.

Travel by specially modified trucks with an experienced crew of three, camp in the wild and get stuck in with general duties as you travel from Cape Town or Johannesburg to any number of national parks throughout the continent on our longer multi-country safaris.

Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. Single travellers will be paired up in tents with another person of the same sex.

This safari also operates in reverse, from Cape Town to Nairobi.

Local Payment

This trip has a local payment. It is this payment which covers entrance fees, camping fees and meals as detailed for this itinerary. The local payment is in addition to the prices specified and is to be paid directly to the tour leader on Day 1 of the trip. The payment should be made in cash, in the currency specified.

Please note that due to exchange rate fluctuations, as well as potential changes to park entrance fees, the local payment amount may be subject to change. We will however inform you of any such changes as soon as we are aware of them.

Budget

Value and Freedom

Our Budget range is the perfect choice for independent spirits travelling on a shoestring. As well as guided sightseeing of the key highlights, there’s also ample free time to explore independently or partake in optional excursions that maximise your time in each destination. Few meals are included, allowing you the freedom to choose exactly where you eat and spend your evenings out, with the added bonus of enabling you to stay in control of your spending.

Many tours in this range include a local payment and this pricing system helps keep costs down so you can be sure we’re delivering the best possible value. You’ll be travelling by both private and public transport – think buses, trains and feluccas. Accommodation ranges from dome tents to a surprise 4-star hotel at a 3-star price. And with a maximum group size of 32, these tours are designed to create a social and fun travel experience.

Guaranteed Departures

This tour is 100% guaranteed to depart with travellers.

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For all our tours and tailor-made holidays we provide you with a clear categorisation of all hotels we use. The REGIONAL CATEGORY indicates the local rating of each hotel in each respective country. We have also rated each hotel using OUR CATEGORY, which will be in line with generally accepted western hotel grading standards.

SimpleBasic hotels and simple accommodation is a no frills option with an adventurous authentic feel.

StandardStandard accommodation equates to a Western 3-star standard, always featuring en-suite rooms and usually a restaurant.

SuperiorSuperior accommodation equates to a Western 4-star standard, featuring en-suite rooms and usually a restaurant and often a swimming pool and/or a fitness centre.

DeluxeDeluxe accommodation equates to a Western 5-star standard, usually featuring spacious, en-suite rooms, a restaurant, swimming pool and fitness centre and an array of amenities, excellent service and customer care.

LavishLavish accommodation equates to a Western 5-star plus standard - the creme de la creme. Featuring spacious, en-suite rooms, a restaurant, swimming pool and fitness centre and an array of amenities, this accommodation is a cut above the rest. Sheer opulence!